Russian families use AI to 'resurrect' loved ones killed in Ukraine
The highly controversial trend lies at the intersection of Russia's war on Ukraine, new AI technologies and grief.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"Creating 'deadbots' of Russian soldiers or deepfakes of fallen Russian soldiers returning from Ukraine is extremely complex and ethically difficult to assess in a clear-cut way."
— Katarzyna Nowaczyk-Basińska , Academic
"In the first months of working on these videos, I cried almost every day."
— Anna Korableva , Influencer
""In the first months of working on these videos, I cried almost every day.""
— Anna Korableva , Influencer
""I try to focus on the technical side, to make sure the video turns out beautiful and worthy of someone's memory.""
— Anna Korableva , Influencer
"She earns between 150-200,000 roubles a month."
— Ulyana Lebed , Influencer
Key People
Started making AI-generated videos to help people cope with loss.
A researcher at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence at the University of Cambridge.
A popular blogger known for posting AI-generated content on social media.
Married to a Russian serviceman and involved in creating AI-generated content.
Tags
All Coverage
The highly controversial trend lies at the intersection of Russia's war on Ukraine, new AI technologies and grief.
Russian families are commissioning AI-generated videos and photos that show soldiers killed in Ukraine embracing family or ascending to heaven, a trend that has grown since mid-2025 amid divided reactions and ethical concerns.
Russian families are increasingly using AI-generated videos to depict fallen soldiers returning home or ascending to heaven, a trend that has raised ethical and psychological questions about the commercialization of grief.
Russian families are increasingly using AI-generated videos and photos to depict soldiers killed in Ukraine returning home or ascending to heaven, a trend that has gained popularity since mid-2025.
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